Combined Isolated Power Supply with Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated power supply and data transfer systems are often expensive and consume too much power, making them unsuitable for many applications due to the high power consumption of optocouplers and isolation amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A combined system that uses a transformer circuit with first and second high pass filter circuits to generate isolated power supply voltage and data signals, reducing power consumption by using narrow pulse signals to bias the transformer, thereby enabling a smaller, less expensive device with reduced power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optocoupler is used to provide isolated signal transfer, then isolation is achieved, but power consumption becomes too high for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines isolated power supply and isolated data transfer functions into a single integrated device. The transformer-based isolated power supply circuit shares the isolation barrier with the data transfer circuit, eliminating the need for separate optocoupler-based isolation and reducing total power consumption while maintaining isolation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a transformer with specific turn ratios and pulse width modulation techniques to transfer data through the isolation barrier. This approach uses narrow pulse signals to bias the transformer, significantly reducing power consumption compared to traditional optocoupler operation while maintaining effective isolation.
2Reliability
If isolation amplifier is used to provide isolated analog output, then isolation is achieved, but cost and power consumption become too high
Solution Approach 1:
The isolated power supply device is designed to perform multiple functions: providing isolated power voltage and transferring isolated digital data signals through the same isolation barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate isolation amplifiers, reducing both cost and power consumption while maintaining isolation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data transfer function from the expensive isolation amplifier and implements it separately using the transformer-based isolated power supply circuit. By taking out the data transfer capability and integrating it with the power supply, the system eliminates the need for dedicated isolation amplifiers, significantly reducing device cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard optocoupler with added circuitry is used to provide both isolated power supply and data transfer, then both functions are achieved, but device size and cost become too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the isolated power supply circuit and isolated data transfer circuit into a single integrated device sharing common components including the transformer, isolation barrier, and control logic. This consolidation achieves both power supply and data transfer functions while minimizing device form factor, avoiding the bloat of adding separate circuitry to traditional optocouplers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves a lower power consumption and smaller form factor, making it more cost-effective and suitable for applications where previous solutions were too expensive and power-hungry.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer circuit that includes a transformer. The transformer circuit is coupled to the first pulse generation circuit and to the second pulse generation circuit. The transformer is configured to generate an output pulse signal based on the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An apparatus for generating an isolated power supply voltage and an isolated data signal includes a first pulse generation circuit configured to generate a first pulse signal and a second pulse generation circuit configured to generate a second pulse signal based on an input pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. A transformer circuit including a transformer is coupled to the first pulse generation circuit and to the second pulse generation circuit. The transformer is configured to generate an output pulse signal based on the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal. An isolated power supply circuit is coupled to the transformer circuit and is configured to generate an isolated power supply voltage based on the output pulse signal. A latch circuit is coupled to the transformer circuit and is configured to generate an isolated PWM signal based on the output pulse signal.